SDLP Leader Claire Hanna has welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin's call for greater clarity on the circumstances that would trigger a referendum on Irish unity.
Mr Martin said that it is “not satisfactory” that a decision to call a border poll is left as a “judgement call” for the Northern Ireland Secretary.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Borderland podcast, Mr Martin said that in the Good Friday Agreement the circumstances around triggering a referendum on Irish unity was “left somewhat ambiguous at the time”.
The South Belfast and Mid Down MP welcomed what she called the "deeper engagement from both parties of government in Dublin" in recent months.
In June Fine Gael leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris announced that a “blueprint” for Irish unity would be ready for the party’s Ard Fheis in November.
"The Taoiseach is right that greater clarity is needed and we warmly welcome his remarks," said Ms Hanna. "The Good Friday Agreement protects the right of people here to choose a different constitutional future and neither the UK or Irish government can duck legitimate questions about how that choice can be exercised.
"The SDLP has consistently made the case that preparation has to happen before a referendum is called. We have engaged extensively with parties across the South, pressed both governments on their responsibilities and worked to bring this conversation beyond those who already agree with us. And it is encouraging to now see both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil engaging more fully with these questions.
"There is an immediate test for the Taoiseach too. He has acknowledged the need for institutional reform (at Stormont) and the Irish Government should use its influence to move that forward. We cannot credibly plan for a New Ireland while leaving the institutions we have now permanently vulnerable to collapse. Another period of direct rule would damage relationships, diminish politics here and take us backwards.
"We are building the case for a New Ireland now, through persuasion, preparation and making this place work. We have pushed this conversation forward and it is good to see others moving into that space. Both governments now need to match that engagement with action and give people the clarity and confidence needed to make an informed choice about their future."
Sinn Féin leader Mary-Lou McDonald welcomed the Taoiseach's remarks, saying that the Irish government should now press the British Government for a "serious, structured discussion on the criteria and process for triggering a referendum".
“What is just as urgent is the need for the Irish government to begin the practical work of preparing for a referendum and for the future beyond it," she said. “This should include a structured conversation involving people of every political tradition and none, including unionists, about the shape of a new and united Ireland.
“People deserve clear information on the economy, public services, healthcare, constitutional governance arrangements and the protections that would be available to every community.
“Preparation is how we ensure that, when people vote, they do so on the basis of facts, options and a clear plan.
“The Taoiseach should therefore move beyond commentary and establish a Citizens’ Assembly on Irish unity and constitutional change."
